by Dr. Josh Axe
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Probiotics. Helps maintain a healthy gut lining and protects it from toxins, allergens, and pathogens.16 Take 50 billion units daily.
2. Astragalus. Strengthens digestion and immunity. Take 1,000 mg once or twice daily.
3. Bone broth or collagen powder. Heals gut lining. Have 1 cup bone broth daily, or 1 or 2 scoops powdered supplement.
4. Ginger. Take as a tea or in capsules (as directed on the package) 1 to 3 times daily.
5. Licorice root (DGL licorice). Improves acid production in the stomach and supports the gut’s mucosal lining.17 Take 500 to 1,000 mg daily.
Other remedies: Control stress with prayer, spiritual growth reading, exercise, and at least 8 hours of sleep a night; take nature walks; schedule downtime; and build positive relationships.
Essential oils: Diffuse 1 drop of peppermint or ginger oil daily, or add to water and drink.
LIVER DISEASE. Liver disease can be caused by hepatitis, cancer, genetic diseases, alcohol abuse, and poor diet. Symptoms include yellowish skin and eyes, abdominal pain, swollen ankles, and fatigue.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, liver disease is the result of liver qi deficiency, qi stagnation, blood stagnation, and damp heat. Irritability and anger make it worse.
Foods That Harm: Spicy food, garlic, pepper, high-fat food, hydrogenated oils, fast food, fried food, dairy, butter, chocolate, peanuts, shrimp, pork, red meat, vinegar, citrus fruits, coffee, alcohol
Foods That Heal: Organic artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, carrots, radish, zucchini, pumpkin, cilantro, apples, berries, goji, plums, beans, rice, oatmeal, quinoa, liver, bone broth, chicken, wild-caught fish, matcha
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Milk thistle. Supports liver regeneration and detoxification. Take 50 to 150 mg daily.
2. Bupleurum. Moves liver qi and protects liver on a cellular level. Take as directed.
3. Skullcap. Calms liver heat and qi stagnation. Take as directed.
4. Schisandra. Strengthens qi and improves liver function. Take 1 to 3 g daily, with meals.
5. Turmeric. Reduces inflammation. Take 500 to 2,000 mg daily.
Other remedies: Do a juice fast with nutritious green juices to give your liver a rest; reduce stress with meditation, yoga, tai chi, prayer, nature walks, and daily downtime; and find ways to cope with irritation, whether through exercise, talking to a therapist or minister, rabbi, or spiritual guide, or spending time with supportive friends.
Essential oils: Add 1 or 2 drops of lemon oil to a glass of water and drink once daily for a week.
LUPUS. In this autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, and organs.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, the cause of lupus is lung qi deficiency, linked to worrying about the past, and liver qi deficiency, related to chronic stress and toxic emotions, as well as environmental toxins.
Foods That Harm: Gluten, sugar, salt, alcohol, garlic, alfalfa, nightshades, commercial baked goods, creamed soups, processed meat
Foods That Heal: Leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pumpkin, squash, berries, figs, kiwi, mulberries, pears, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed and hemp seeds, bone broth, salmon and other wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, rice congee, oats, coconut, honey, green tea, turmeric, galangal, ginger
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Bone broth (or powder). Supports gut health and reduces inflammation. Drink 2 cups or take 20 to 40 g daily.
2. Holy basil. Modulates stress. Take 250 mg once or twice daily.
3. Astragalus. Supports immune health and inflammation. Take 1,000 mg daily.
4. Rehmannia. Builds qi and energy. Take 1,000 mg daily.
5. Vitamin D3. Supports immune health. Take 2,000 to 5,000 mg daily.
Other remedies: Try acupuncture; reduce stress through prayer, meditation, yoga, walking in nature, walking barefoot on the grass, digital fasting, and building downtime into your day. To heal past hurts and focus on the future, practice gratitude, affirmations, and spiritual growth reading.
Essential oils: Apply 3 drops of frankincense and helichrysum oil topically to the neck.
LYME DISEASE. This infection is caused by bacteria transmitted by a tick bite. Early signs include flulike symptoms, headache, muscle and joint pain, and, in some cases, a bull’s-eye-shaped rash. Over time it can cause neurological problems.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, weak lung qi causes liver qi and blood qi deficiency. Unhealthy emotions including lack of hope, guilt, and grief inhibit healing.
Foods That Harm: Grains, gluten, high-sugar fruit, sugar, processed and packaged foods, produce with pesticides, food with dyes and additives
Foods That Heal: Leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, pumpkin, squash, fermented foods, berries, figs, mulberries, pears, chestnuts, chia, and pumpkin seeds, bone broth, salmon and other wild-caught fish, chicken, beef, rice, oats, coconut, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Astragalus. Strengthens the immune system. Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily.
2. Probiotics. Builds good bacteria. Take 50 to 100 billion IU daily.
3. Sarsaparilla (smilax). Cleanses blood. Take as directed.
4. Rehmannia. Builds lung qi and energy. Take up to 350 mg daily.
5. Schisandra. Strengthens immunity and liver. Take as directed.
Other remedies: Try acupuncture; exercise; get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night; reduce stress through spiritual growth reading, nature walks, daily downtime, and relaxing with friends and family; practice gratitude and forgiveness to heal past emotional trauma; and reduce mold exposure. Dong quai, Japanese knotweed, reishi, turmeric, burdock, cat’s claw, and vitamin D can also help.
Essential oils: Diffuse frankincense, myrrh, holy basil, ylang-ylang, and chamomile oil.
MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS. Menopause begins 12 months after the last menstrual period, when the ovaries’ egg reserves are depleted. The hormonal shift can cause mood swings, hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, weight gain, and insomnia.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, the symptoms are related to a kidney yin qi deficiency.
Foods That Harm: Processed meat, meat with hormones or antibiotics, packaged food, processed carbs, sugar, soda, alcohol, caffeine, spicy food
Foods That Heal: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, seaweed, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, blueberries, goji, apples, bananas, blackberries, peaches, mango, bone broth, eggs, beef, chicken, omega-3-rich foods (salmon, tuna, flaxseed), coconut, olive oil, fermented soy (miso, natto), oats, rice, beans, shiitake
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Black cohosh. Can ease hot flashes. Take 160 to 200 mg daily.
2. Vitex. Alleviates menopause symptoms. Take 160 to 240 mg daily.
3. Rehmannia. Strengthens reproductive organs. Take up to 350 mg daily.
4. Panax ginseng. Increases energy levels. Take 500 mg twice daily.
5. Maca. Can improve menopause symptoms. Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily.
Other remedies: Try acupuncture; exercise; reduce stress through aromatherapy, yoga, walks in nature, fostering close relationships, and spiritual growth reading.
Essential oils: Rub 3 drops of clary sage oil (to reduce anxiety and relieve symptoms), chamomile oil (to reduce stress), peppermint oil (to cool hot flashes), and/or thyme oil (to balance hormones) on the tops of the feet and back of the neck 1 to 3 times daily.
MIGRAINES. These headaches are triggered by stress, food sensitivities, fatigue, hormone imbalance, and dehydration. Symptoms include throbbing pain, commonly on one side of the head, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
Ancient perspective: According to TCM, migraines are caused by liver yang excess. Overwork, anger, frustration, little downtime, and lack of relaxation are root causes.
Foods That Harm: Gluten, caffeine, a
lcohol, sugar, sugary drinks, dairy, hydrogenated oils, high-fat diet, processed carbs, food additives, spicy food, red meat, shrimp, garlic, chiles, cinnamon, vinegar, coffee
Foods That Heal: Leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green beans, carrots, pumpkin, squash, pears, mulberries, blueberries, blackberries, black beans, kidney beans, oats, rice, millet, bone broth, wild-caught fish, eggs, chicken, duck, mushrooms, coconut, seaweed
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Feverfew. Reduces frequency and symptoms. Take 100 to 300 mg up to 4 times daily.
2. Butterbur. Lowers inflammation and restores normal blood flow in the brain. Take 50 to 75 mg twice daily.
3. CBD oil. Proven pain reliever. Take 100 mg at the first sign of headache.
4. Magnesium. Relaxes muscles to ease pain. Take 500 mg daily.
5. TCM Liver Fire formula. Includes skullcap, gentian, bupleurum, and rehmannia, which calm the liver and reduce migraines. Take as directed.
Other remedies: Try chiropractic, acupuncture, digital fasting, walking in nature, yoga, a consistent sleep schedule, and spiritual growth reading to reduce frustration and anger, boost hope and faith, and counteract liver yang excess.
Essential oils: Rub 3 drops each of lavender and peppermint oil on the neck and temples.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. This disabling autoimmune disease causes central nervous system inflammation, and the immune system attacks the protective fat surrounding nerves, destroying nerve function. Triggers include infections, toxic mold, and food allergies.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, the root cause is spleen qi deficiency and sometimes blood deficiency. Past trauma, or a loss of meaning or purpose, can contribute.
Foods That Harm: Sugar, grains, conventional meat and dairy, hydrogenated oils, gluten, processed food, produce with pesticides
Foods That Heal: Bone broth, grass-fed beef, chicken, omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut, avocados), tahini, cooked asparagus, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrots, pumpkin, squash, berries, goji, beans, fermented foods, cinnamon, ginger
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Astragalus. Strengthens the spleen, immune system, and blood. Take 2 to 4 g daily.
2. Ginseng. Boosts the body’s qi, blood, and energy. Take as directed.
3. Ginkgo biloba. Reduces inflammation and fatigue.18 Take 120 mg daily.
4. Turmeric. Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines.19 Take up to 3,000 mg daily.
5. Fish oil. Reduces inflammation and supports brain health. Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily.
Other remedies: Vitamin B12 and vitamin D3 have been shown to improve symptoms. Counteract worry and anxiety with meditation, prayer, acupuncture, yoga, and spiritual growth reading to find meaning, purpose, and hope. Also seek therapy for trauma, nurture close relationships, and practice gratitude.
Essential oils: Diffuse a few drops of frankincense, cypress, or helichrysum oil daily.
OSTEOPOROSIS. In this age-related condition, bones become weak and brittle, leading to increased fracture risk and stooped posture. Inactivity and low vitamin D increase risk.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, kidney qi deficiency is the root cause.
Foods That Harm: Alcohol, sugar, processed meats, caffeine, high-sodium food
Foods That Heal: Spinach, kale, broccoli, celery, watercress, green beans, seaweed, bone broth, wild-caught fish (salmon and sardines), eggs, poultry, raw cheese, yogurt, chestnuts, flaxseed, blueberries, goji, figs, grapefruit, avocados, coconut, tahini, rice, oats, kidney beans, chickpeas, miso, natto, shiitake, fermented foods, sage, thyme, matcha
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Bone broth or collagen protein. High in collagen. Take 20 to 40 mg daily.
2. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D3 and K2. Critical nutrients for strong bones. Take together in a formula as directed.
3. Spirulina and algae. High in minerals that help form bone. Take as directed.
4. Rehmannia. Builds kidney qi and yin. Take up to 350 mg daily. (Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.)
5. Black cohosh. Boosts bone density. Take 40 mg daily.
Other remedies: Do low-impact exercise, strength training, yoga, and walking in nature. Get 8 hours of sleep a night and reduce stress with prayer, meditation, and spiritual growth reading. Other bone strengtheners: horsetail, dong quai, and fish oil.
Essential oils: Mix 2 or 3 drops of cypress, helichrysum, or fir needle oil with ¼ teaspoon coconut oil and apply to the spine and hip 3 times daily.
PAIN (CHRONIC). Most pain starts with an acute injury, but when it lasts for more than 3 months, it’s considered chronic—and it can impair your mood, relationships, sleep, sex drive, mobility, and ability to function. Inflammation almost always plays a role.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, chronic pain is caused by qi stagnation, blood stagnation, and weak kidney qi.
Foods That Harm: Gluten, packaged and processed foods, fast food, sugar and artificial sweeteners, produce with pesticides, dairy and meat with hormones and antibiotics, alcohol
Foods That Heal: Leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, pumpkin, squash, berries, figs, kiwi, pineapple, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed and hemp seeds, bone broth, salmon and other wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, avocados, olive oil, coconut, green tea, turmeric, galangal, ginger, rosemary
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. CBD oil. Alters pain pathways. Take 10 to 100 mg daily.
2. Turmeric. Reduces inflammation. Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily.
3. Bone broth. Collagen builds connective tissue in joints. Drink 1 or 2 cups daily.
4. Fish oil. Reduces inflammation and pain. Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily.
5. Capsaicin cream. Reduces substance P, a chemical pain messenger. Rub a small amount on the painful area up to 4 times daily.
Other remedies: Try acupuncture, cupping, chiropractic, massage, dry needling, and functional movement training, which uses common movements you might do as part of your daily activity (Egoscue can be particularly helpful). Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. Cultivate joy by spending time with supportive friends and doing activities you love.
Essential oils: Rub 5 drops of wintergreen, peppermint, and/or rosemary oil mixed with ½ teaspoon of coconut oil on the affected area.
PARASITES. Tapeworms, pinworms, roundworms, and protozoa can live in the intestines, where they cause abdominal pain, fatigue, dysentery, loss of appetite, and fever.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, the underlying vulnerabilities are spleen qi deficiency, liver blood stagnation with dampness, and lung qi deficiency. The goal of treatment is to make the intestines uninhabitable for parasites.
Foods That Harm: Packaged food, sugar, fruit, refined carbs, wheat products, alcohol, shellfish, processed meat, pork
Foods That Heal: Leafy greens, cooked cruciferous vegetables, pumpkin, carrots, asparagus, rhubarb, coconut oil, bone broth, sauerkraut and other fermented foods, papaya, berries, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, manuka honey, miso, ginger, garlic, onions, clove, thyme
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Black walnut extract. Used for centuries to treat intestinal parasites. Put 3 to 5 drops in water and take 3 times daily.
2. Wormwood tea. Research shows it kills tapeworms.21 Steep ½ teaspoon dried wormwood in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, then drink.
3. Probiotics. Strengthens immunity and gut health. Take 50 billion IU daily.
4. Pau d’arco. Has anti-parasitic and antimicrobial properties. Take as directed.
5. Grapefruit seed extract. An effective antimicrobial. Take 250 to 500 mg twice daily.
Other remedies: Reduce stress with prayer, meditation, 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, and walking outside. Consider a cleanse, consuming soups and the foods listed above.
Essential oils: Take 2 drops of oregano or clove oil 3 times daily, for no more than 10 days.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE. Thi
s degenerative disorder of the central nervous system affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and loss of balance. Pesticide exposure, inflammation, poor diet, free radicals, and food allergies can contribute.
Ancient perspective: In TCM, it is linked to excess wind, which generates movement, as well as kidney yin deficiency, which impairs liver function.
Foods That Harm: Processed food, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, food allergens, dairy (If you’re on medication, protein-rich meals may interfere.)
Foods That Heal: Leafy greens, asparagus, beets, berries, beans, healthy fats (ghee, coconut oil, avocados), tahini, bone broth, eggs, omega-3-rich food (wild-caught salmon, sardines), walnuts, hemp seeds, miso, honey, turmeric
Top 5 ancient prescriptions:
1. Turmeric. Reduces inflammation. Take 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily.
2. Lion’s mane mushrooms. Support brain health and slow the disease’s progression.22 Start with 300 mg 1 to 3 times daily, and increase gradually, up to 3,000 mg.
3. Ginkgo biloba. A potent antioxidant that’s great for the brain. Take 40 mg daily.
4. CBD. Supports the brain and nervous system. Take 20 to 100 mg daily.
5. Rehmannia. Strengthens kidney qi and yin. Take up to 350 mg daily. (Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.)
Other remedies: Do gentle exercise like yoga or swimming. Reduce stress with meditation, spiritual triathlon (see here), and nature walks. CoQ10, fish oil, matcha green tea, and milk thistle can also help.
